About Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant Cell Arteritis is a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium-sized arteries, with primary involvement of the external carotid artery system and its branches, particularly the temporal artery. The disease results from T cell-mediated granulomatous inflammation with characteristic giant cells and macrophage infiltration of the vessel wall. Pathologic findings typically show granulomatous inflammation with giant cells centered at the internal elastic lamina.
The inflammatory process causes vessel wall necrosis and intimal proliferation, leading to stenosis and ischemia in affected territories. Headache, often severe and localized to the temporal arteries, is the most common presenting symptom in 70%. Visual symptoms develop in 15-20% of untreated patients, including amaurosis fugax (transient vision loss) and permanent blindness from arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a medical emergency requiring immediate high-dose corticosteroids.
Jaw claudication (pain with mastication) is highly specific. Constitutional symptoms including fever, fatigue, and weight loss occur. Large vessel involvement (aorta, subclavian, axillary arteries) occurs in 10-15% and can cause significant ischemic complications. Polymyalgia rheumatica commonly co-occurs.
Common Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
Recognizing the signs of Giant Cell Arteritis early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. Symptoms may vary in severity from person to person. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, consider speaking with a specialist.
- New-onset headaches in scalp, forehead, or temples
- Jaw claudication (pain while chewing)
- Vision loss or blindness from arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
- Shoulder and hip pain from associated polymyalgia rheumatica
- Fever and constitutional symptoms
- Stroke from large vessel involvement
Who Giant Cell Arteritis Affects
Giant Cell Arteritis predominantly affects people over 50 years old, with median age of onset around 70-75 years. It affects females slightly more than males.
The disease is much more common in people of Northern European descent (particularly Scandinavian, British, and Northern European ancestry) and rare in African, Native American, and Asian populations. About 40-60% of GCA patients have concurrent polymyalgia rheumatica.
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FDA-Approved Treatments for Giant Cell Arteritis
There are currently 2 FDA-approved medications for Giant Cell Arteritis. These therapies represent the current standard of care and may be used alongside or compared against investigational treatments in active clinical trials.
Source: openFDA drug labeling data. This list may not include all treatments. Always consult your doctor.
Help Paying for Giant Cell Arteritis Treatment
Charity funds and drugmaker programs for Giant Cell Arteritis, checked at the source. Pick your insurance to see what fits.
No charity fund for this condition is open right now. Funds reopen when they receive new donations; the foundations let you sign up to be told when one opens.
Side Effect Explorer
Real-world side effect reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Includes both FDA-approved drugs and investigational therapies from active clinical trials. Click any drug to see what patients reported.
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Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and identify family members who may be at risk.
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Trusted Giant Cell Arteritis Resources
Reputable organizations and medical references for learning more about Giant Cell Arteritis, including disease registries, foundation resources, and clinical guidelines.